From fruit seller in Pakistan to UAE cricket star: Haider Ali’s ultimate dream comes true

oSharjah: Before the bright lights of Sharjah and the roar of an international crowd, Haider Ali’s world looked very different. During the pandemic, the young left-arm spinner sold fruit on the streets of Lahore to support his family — not just to survive, but to keep alive a dream he wasn’t ready to give up on.

On Wednesday night, that dream bore fruit. The 30-year-old produced a stunning spell of three wickets for just seven runs, leading UAE to a historic seven-wicket win over Bangladesh at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. It wasn’t just UAE’s first-ever T20I series victory against a Test-playing nation — it was also a personal triumph for a cricketer who had fought for every inch of this moment.

“I was jobless during COVID,” Haider told Gulf News. “I used to sell fruits and send money to my family in the village. Before that, I worked nights as a waiter after practice. I had no other way to earn. I just kept telling myself, don’t give up.”

Haider moved to the UAE in 2021 in search of better opportunities. Even then, cricket felt distant. With no clear path to the national team and limited resources, he relied on support from Karwan Cricket Club and Royal Sports Club in Ajman, who helped him find a place to train and improve. Now, with better conditions thanks to the Emirates Cricket Board, the journey feels more rewarding.

His mantra was simple — no shortcuts to success, only hard work bears fruit. It’s a message he wants to pass on to aspiring young players.

“They gave me chances when no one else even knew my name,” said Haider, who at one point had to make do with just Dh10 in his pocket. “Karwan and Royal Sports — they believed in me and gave me a chance to prove myself.”

His performances in domestic cricket — especially with the wet ball during night matches — eventually earned him a contract in the International League T20 (ILT20), where he played a key role for the Dubai Capitals, helping them win Season 3.

But even with professional exposure, a national call-up seemed elusive as he had to meet the eligibility criteria — until the Bangladesh series.

Making his T20I debut earlier in the series, Haider had gone wicketless in the first two games. But in the must-win decider, he struck gold. Introduced early in the innings, he dismissed Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy in his first over and returned to remove Mahedi Hasan, reducing Bangladesh to 49 for 4.

“I decided before the match that I would bowl aggressively,” he said. “Earlier I was trying to be too safe, but that wasn’t working. So I changed my mindset and just focused on attacking the stumps.”

What made his performance even more remarkable was how he handled the dew — a major factor in night games in the UAE. Unlike others who struggled to grip the ball, Haider looked in control.

“There was dew from the first over,” he said. “But we were prepared. I practice a lot with a wet ball — dunking it in a bucket of water and bowling. We play a lot of night games here, so that gave me an edge.”

His four-over spell was not just economical; it was game-changing. Bangladesh, who looked set for a 180-plus total, were restricted to 162 for 9.

When it was UAE’s turn to bat, the top order was tested early. Captain Muhammad Waseem fell cheaply, and Bangladesh kept applying pressure. But UAE’s young guns stepped up — Alishan Sharafu stitched partnerships with fellow debutant Muhammad Zohaib and later with Rahul Chopra to keep the chase alive. Veteran Asif Khan finished the job with a rapid 41 not out that sealed the deal.

Coming in at No. 9, Haider contributed to a crucial 25-run eighth-wicket stand with Dhruv Parashar in the second match to level the series 1-1. With four runs needed off three balls, it was Haider who struck the winning runs — a boundary off a free hit in only his first T20I innings.

“I was nervous,” he admitted. “But I kept telling myself — you’ve come this far, don’t let it slip now.”

Even as the team celebrated the biggest win in UAE cricket history, Haider’s thoughts drifted to someone who wasn’t there to see it.

“I lost my father last year,” he said, voice trembling. “I hadn’t been to Pakistan in four years because I wanted to meet the eligibility criteria. I couldn’t even see him once,” said the eldest of a big family. He still cherishes the love his mother has showered on him and calls her his biggest motivation.

He paused before continuing: “This performance — it’s for him.”

UAE head coach Lalchand Rajput, who has closely tracked Haider’s development, wasn’t surprised by the composure or the match-winning spell.

“Haider has been playing in the ILT20 for the last two to three years and has done very well,” Rajput said. “So he’s used to better opposition. I love his attitude — he never gives up.”

Rajput also highlighted Haider’s temperament during the second T20I, where he batted deep despite not being a recognised batter.

“He’s not a batsman, but he stood there and believed. That’s what I look for — players who are hungry, who are mentally strong. He has that rare mindset. Such players can take the team through from any situation.”

For Haider, the future suddenly looks a lot brighter. His blend of grit, guile and humility has made him one of UAE’s most promising prospects — and a symbol of what belief and perseverance can achieve.

“I never thought I’d reach this level, honestly,” he said. “Now I just want to keep working hard, stay in the team, and make my family — and my late father — proud.”